osbornk
Old man in the mountains
Good points were made.
Insurance companies already ask such questions as "Are you a smoker or use smokeless tobacco?" and underwriters adjust rates and conditions of benefits accordingly.
All they need to do is simply add the question "If you operate a motorcycle, do you plan to wear a DOT-approved helmet?"
If you answer yes, the insurance company doesn't need to start shadowing you on rides to verify compliance. It simply means if you're in a crash without a helmet, you forfeit certain coverages that you might have received for documented injuries.
Say 'NO' to that question, and you either pay much higher rates or find yourself excluded from coverage for such an event alltogether.
My premiums should not have to help build the fund insurance companies need to pay for the poor judgement of others.
I have been denied certain levels of insurance in the past due to being a SCUBA diver, and had to secure coverage thru an alternate provider. It happens. Not a burden the rest of you should have to bear.
I dont think the insurance departments and government officials would ever allow coverage to be denied because someone wasn't wearing a helmet as they promised. They won't allow coverage to be denied because the costs would be shifted to government (me and you through taxes) to care for them or their survivors the rest of their lives through social programs.